Drug delivery: 11 technologies of the future

Orodispersible technology: The orodispersible tablet (ODT) technology offers advantages over the traditional dosage formulations as they allow easy swallowing without the use of water in paediatrics and geriatrics patient populations.

This technology is advantageous to patients suffering from diseases, such as mouth cancer, where swallowing the drug is a challenge. Global drug giant Merck has launched ODT technologies for delivery of water-insoluble compounds with robust in-vivo performance.

Nanoparticle drug delivery: Nanoparticles as a drug delivery system enables unique approaches for cancer treatment. Over the last two decades, a large number of nanoparticle delivery systems have been developed for cancer therapy, including organic and inorganic materials.

Transdermal technology: This platform technology can be used to deliver an extensive range of different products. The delivery platform called targeted pentration matrix (TPM) has been developed by Australia-based Phosphagenics.

HyACT technology: HyACT technology uses hyaluronic acid's (HA) unique properties to enhance delivery and retention of chemotherapeutic drugs and biologics at the site of a tumor. At Alchemia, a company leveraging on drug delivery products, three phase I clinical trials of the technology have been completed and are ready for the next stage of clinical development.

Shockwaves-based delivery: Shock waves are one of the most efficient mechanisms of energy dissipation observed in nature. A novel non-intrusive needleless vaccine delivery system has been developed utilizing the instantaneous mechanical impulse generated behind the micro-shock wave during controlled explosion.